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secma funtech 50/qpod 50 OR piaggio ape 50

which one do YOU think is better and WHY? as I am aware the piaggio ape 50 has features such as: 1 seat belt(but room for two people with a squeeze), a coin holder, a cig lighter, an ashtray, proper metal doors, door bins, an interior lamp, lots of storage room in the back, door locks, a manual gearbox, room for speakers and radio. the secma funtech 50/qpod city 50 has features such as a cup holder, 2 seat belts, a cockpit designed for two people, non locking doors that are quite weak, room for a radio and small speakers, small storage in the back, an automatic transmission, and that's about it. the piaggio ape is slower but has more features. what do YOU think?

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Permalink Reply by Jordan on May 10, 2010 at 22:50

I personally would look at the Piaggio Ape. As good as Qpods are, they are not 100% waterproof which would make my mind up.

I wouldn't put a radio or anything in either, a 50cc will not be able to power al this.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Smith on June 6, 2010 at 8:26

I have owned both of these vehicle. The answer to your question is down to personal preference (my preference is the piaggio ape). I have listed below some of the pros and cons of both vehicles.

FUNTECT/QPOD 50.
(i) In derestricted form is it very fast with good accelleration. (It is not rockett science to derestict but be aware of insurance consequeces and the law if you are 16 years of age).
(ii) It is very uncomfortable - I could only manage about 15 miles in a trip before feeling very fragile and my
back about to break).
(iii) Not water tight - the rain alway gushes in past the canvas doors.
(iv) DON'T attempt to use with out the stabiliser wheels at the back - leathal and illegal.
(v) Good access to the engine for servicing.
(vi) The cable breaks on my one always breaked unevenly.
(vii) sourcing parts is difficuly.
(viii) Two seater - but unless you are anorexic then it is very crampted.
(ix) No secutiy devices - I always used a motorcycle padlock and chain through the alloy wheel and round a lampost.
(x) Remove the doors and the roof and enjoy cabriolet style motoring.
(xi) Always turns heads where ever you go - but with the stabiliser wheels at the rear it not cool.

PIAGGIO APE
(i) Only a single seater so not passengers.
(ii) If run in properly and well maintained it should manage 30 miles/h - so slower than the funtech (my one has no trouble getting to 34m/h - but would probably destroy it if held there for any time.
(iii) The bodywork and under frame are not galvanised so will rust very quickly if stone chips are not regularly repaired.
(iv) With its vespa engine should be reliable if maintained regularly - my one has been no trouble.
(v) Servicing is fairly simple but repairs like replacement clutches etc. access is poor and is only a job for the mechanically competent. All work is from underneath.
(vi) Always turns heads and cool.
(vii) watertight cabin.
(Viii) Locking doors and steering lock.
(ix) In van form it is incredibly useful - carboot sales, trips to the refuse tip, shopping and much more - a very useful work horse. I have even had sand weighed into mine when doing building work at home.
(x) As long as the condition of the vehicle is kept good - they retain high resale values no matter how old they are.

Both these vehicle are very cheap to run - don't think of them as cars because they are not - Thinkof them as mopeds with roofs. Think fun and what ever your preference is you will love it.